University partners with national organization to transform neighborhoods

Xaviers Community Building Institute (CBI) and the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation teamed up to host a Neighborhoods of Choice training seminar Tuesday, Oct. 28, through Friday, Oct. 31, in the Cintas Center.

The Neighborhoods of Choice training program is designed for neighborhood leaders and organizations. It provides the insight and tools needed to attract families with the economic means to buy homes, support businesses and contribute to the community revitalization. Participants learn how to identify and use the strengths of their communities to help maintain healthy, mixed-income neighborhoods. The ultimate objective of the Neighborhoods of Choice program is for neighborhood leaders to implement marketing concepts to transform their communities.

Neighborhoods of Choice program founders Marcia Nedland and Michael Schubert conducted the four-day training program from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Both are seasoned professionals in neighborhood revitalization strategy development.

The training sessions cover strategies for creating a neighborhood of choice and outline measures of success in revitalization and affordable housing strategies.

"This set of strategies and practical tools will compliment the hard work around neighborhood revitalization that community leaders are actively engaged in," says Byron White, director of CBI. He says the seminar offered "an intense understanding of how citizens and neighborhood organizations can apply marketing principles and tactics to promote communities where people want to stay and move to."

CBI, Xavier University, the United Way and Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation sponsored the training sessions. Cost to attend the seminar was $250, and seating was limited to 40 people.

CBI facilitates collaborative action among residents, community-based organizations and institutions that leads to comprehensive, asset-based community development. CBI is a partnership of Xavier University and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

For more information about the Neighborhoods of Choice seminar, contact Trina Jackson, program director, at 513 745-3348, or visit www.nw.org.